Rite Aid expands NowClinic telehealth service to additional markets

By Alaric DeArment

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has expanded its telemedicine service to 58 more stores, the retail pharmacy chain said Friday.

Rite Aid said the NowClinic Online Care service were available at stores in Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The service gives customers access to care, via a secure online video connection, from OptumHealth doctors and nurses. The company originally unveiled the program at nine stores in Detroit in 2011.

"Given the rapidly changing healthcare landscape, we believe that telehealth services, such as our NowClinic Online Care service, will play an extremely important role in health care of the future," Rite Aid EVP pharmacy Robert Thompson said. "Rite Aid's NowClinic Online Care services provide customers with convenient, affordable and efficient access to medical care, whenever and wherever they need it. We are excited to bring NowClinic Online Care services to our customers in these markets as part of our continued mission to help them live healthier, happier lives."

The service allows customers to have private, one-on-one consultations via video, chat or phone with doctors who can discuss symptoms, provide guidance, diagnose and prescribe certain medications when appropriate. Nurses can address a range of healthcare needs, such as basic education, information on common acute issues and assistance in identifying appropriate provider options for care. A customer record is automatically captured at the end of each session and available for sharing with a primary care provider. The service also is accessible 24 hours a day and seven days a week at MyNowClinic.com/RiteAid.